For their achievement in combining exceptional design, environmental sensitivity, and energy efficiency, five California nonresidential projects received awards of recognition from the 2007 Savings By Design Energy Efficiency Integration Awards program.

Every year, the recognition program, sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric®, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC), acknowledges the extra time and effort it takes to successfully integrate architectural excellence and energy efficiency.

The jurors agreed that the highly inventive solutions represented by the winners would be instructive to other designers in California and throughout the nation.

This 622-acre preserve, located on the outskirts of Palo Alto, is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The restoration of this preserve habitat was made possible primarily with volunteer labor through partnerships with the local land stewards. The emphasis of this restoration was on minimizing ecological impact, which was achieved through its small size, the use of natural materials, and energy independence.

The UC Merced Library and Information Technology Center is both a work of art and a functional and efficient structure. The broad arcades, louvers and overhangs of the building allow shade while still maximizing the amount of daylighting and keeping a close connection with the outdoors.

The 95,692 ft 2 Molecular Foundry was created to symbolize the advanced nature of nanoscience research and is a testament to modern technology. Built on a steep site between two existing buildings, the facility's energy consumption was reduced by over 27% relative to Title 24 energy standards. Although the building currently earns a LEED Silver rating, it is now on track to achieve Gold. This high performance was accomplished through water efficiency, energy performance, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

The San Francisco Federal Building is a testament to design excellence and sustainable architecture. The building is meant to serve the tenants and the community and does so with the highest design aspirations and innovative technology. The 18-story project houses a healthy work environment as well as resources for public use, such as a café, a childcare center, and a conference center.

This program is funded by California utility ratepayers and administered by Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Edison Company, and Southern California Gas Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. The municipal portion of this program is funded and administered by Sacramento Municipal Utility District and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.